A single Fire King Scabiosa flower on a white background.
A close-up of a couple of Fire King Scabiosa flowers on a white background.
Several Fire King Scabiosa blooms and buds with foliage arranged on a white background.
A close-up macro view of a pair of Fire King Scabiosa flowers on a white background.
A close-up of a trio of Fire King Scabiosa blooms still on the stem against a white background.
A single Fire King Scabiosa flower on a white background.
A close-up of a couple of Fire King Scabiosa flowers on a white background.
Several Fire King Scabiosa blooms and buds with foliage arranged on a white background.
A close-up macro view of a pair of Fire King Scabiosa flowers on a white background.
A close-up of a trio of Fire King Scabiosa blooms still on the stem against a white background.

Scabiosa Seeds,
Fire King

SKU: #FL1060Min. seed count: 40
Price
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Description

Set the garden ablaze with bold, scarlet-red blooms that smolder like embers on slender stems. These fiery pincushion flowers light up borders and cottage beds, drawing in bees and butterflies all season long. Easy to grow and always glowing, ‘Fire King’ brings heat, color, and energy to any space. A must for gardeners who crave intensity and drama in every bloom.

Plant Details

Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
10–20
Days to Maturity
90–100
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70°F

When to Grow

Fire King needs the whole warm season to perform, so sow indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost. Surface sow instead of covering the seed, because light aids germination, and sprouts appear in 10 to 20 days. Plant out once frost has passed, 12 to 18 inches apart in full sun, and allow 90 to 100 days to maturity. Sowing again every 2 to 3 weeks keeps the scarlet blooms coming, but make the last sowing in late spring or early summer so it still has its 90 to 100 days before frost.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. (Cold-stratifying in the fridge for 2 weeks improves germination.)
  • Sow near soil surface, barely covering seeds, as light aids germination.
  • Succession plant every 2-3 weeks until midsummer to provide the best blooms.

How to Grow

  • Annual to 2 feet.
  • Space plants about a foot apart in the bed.
  • Bloom season begins in early summer.
  • Remove spent blooms to prolong blooming season.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Add lime to strongly acid soils.
  • May require support.
  • Can be affected by common garden pests like aphids, slugs, spider mites, and thrips.

How to Save Seeds

  • Select the heads from which you wish to save seeds and allow them to dry. The spent flowers will dry up and fall off, leaving behind a pale green seed head.
  • Allow selected seed heads to dry on plant and turn brown.
  • Harvest the seed head when seeds begin to fall away. (Mature seed heads can be harvested early and hung to dry further until seeds begin to fall away.) Release the seeds from the seed head by squeezing/rubbing them between your fingers, or through other means of agitation. Winnow to separate chaff and dry further if necessary to ensure seeds are completely dry!
  • Store seeds in airtight containers.

FAQ

What does Fire King look like?

The pincushion blooms are a bold scarlet red carried on slender stems, on a tall plant of more than 36 inches, and they light up borders and cottage beds.

Does Fire King attract pollinators?

Yes, the flowers draw in bees and butterflies all season long.

Does Fire King need anything special from the soil, or staking?

Add lime to strongly acid soils, and be prepared to stake, as scabiosa may require support.
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